New sheetmetal

[todds66]

New to all this truck building and I have a question:

With all the different places that sell replacement body parts is there any out there that would be considered better overall in fit, lining up and looks. It seems much more cost effective to replace them rather then have hours of body work to repair. Please give me thoughts and some assistance here.

[vin63]

Not in my experience. All of the reproduction sheetmetal that I've had to purchase (front fenders, rocker boxes, bedside repair panels and tailgate), the fitment was marginal at best. Just be prepared to spend time fitting them.

[Captainfab]

Depending on the extent of the damage to the original parts, it may be less work or the same as purchasing new aftermarket parts and having to rework them. From what I hear, if you do get an aftermarket part that fits right, out of the box, that is a rarity.

[dodgiesdad]

In my opinion its all up to you on whether you spend hours fixing your rust or hours aligning and fixing new metal. Every aftermarket sheet metal part I used in my build required some amount of rework. The inner fenders required the most (drilled all spot welds and re-positioned) and the doors required the least (just a coat of mud). I personally would rather work with tweaking new metal than repairing rust.

[PGSigns]

Not sure who's stuff they are selling but Insane hot rods has posted several pics of the fit on the parts they are selling and they looked pretty good.
Jimmy

[61K10]

As PGSigns said some stuff is getting better as far as fitment goes. It would be interesting how many are making these parts. The Insane guy's tk looks great and everything fit. I guess somebody on here needs to buy the complete bed, and front sheet metal and put it together lol! (Not saying you Insane guy's are keeping things to yourself). I sure wish the bed sides were avl. when i did my truck. talk about hours on them and they are still not perfect. (not a bodyman) Things must be getting better?

[DPowers]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691995

[lumpy63]

I purchased new bed sides from brothers , they had a counterpart label on them, purchased a new front panel from tuckers and a new tailgate from Dynacorn. Mocked it all up last weekend and I was truly impressed! Only had to elongate one hole on right side of front panel,never have I had such good luck with repo parts…..

[franken]

Pretty much all the parts come from Asia and when you get past the box and stickers, its triparts or similar. Supposed US suppliers parts still come from Asia.
Remember, body parts for almost anything popular in the last 60 years is available. Crap we've never seen can be rebuilt with Asian parts.

This stuff isn't coming from the US. AMD makes claims, but be careful what you believe.
Regardless, they be parts.

[nsb29]

I bought mine from LMC the fit was ok had to elongate a few holes and the peace in the front was not welded properly and had to be re done I have seen where they just fill the gap w/seam sealer. it all comes from the same place im told that Mar K makes the best parts and it comes from the usa remember the oem parts don't always fit so good

[bcontractor]

If I look at the factory sheet metal that is welded on the cab,,it doesnt fit perfect ...so I am glad at least somebody helps us out to restore and build our trucks..ps my wife is asian and is smoking supermodel pretty hott !!The USA is not a manufacturing country like it was as once upon a time...

[ImpalaJim]

There are 2 factory's that make the parts just different boxes!

[todds66]

Which are the two companies that make them?

[oldusafmsgt]

Both factories that make them, identical parts, on identical equipment, are in China. Same quality, and it fluctuates. Shop around for the best price/customer service, all suppliers are getting the same stuff from the same place.